Roger, notice in module 0, there is a lesson on strumming without a pick using your thumb. If you strum this way and practice precision strumming with your thumb and strumming the low E, A or D strings (strings 6,5 and 4) for those chords then you will be prepared to learn fingerstyle, where the thumb is important for picking the bass strings. I use both fingerstyle and a pick. A pick can be useful for some styles of folk and Celtic songs and definitely for bluegrass and country songs.
3 Likes
5 posts were merged into an existing topic: One Minute Changes Exercise
Haha, no one goes to a concert to hear chord changes 
2 Likes
Hi Iām glad to be here and I know I will learn how to play correctly using Justinās course. I canāt find the chord perfect practice he was talking about in the begginer lesson 1 A to D 1 min change exercise, can anyone help .
Thanks so much
2 Likes
@the1andonly Hi Jason.
It is a written description in the Learn More section of the very first chord lesson (D major) here: https://www.justinguitar.com/guitar-lessons/how-to-play-the-d-chord-b1-105
Scroll down for the four steps.
1 Like
Thank you Richard 
1 Like
7 posts were split to a new topic: How do I activate a code for the App?
I may have missed it, most likely didnāt fully understand. On the perfect chord exercise, are we supposed to just finger the chord structure, remove fingers and repeat for 3 minutes? Or, should we be strumming to check how well we are doing it? I guess I am not sure how that differs greatly from the chords changes from A to D and vice versa. To provide context, I am not completely new to playing, but it has been a long time since I have had time to devote to playing better and more often. I can play a variety of chords, but picking and rhythm need more development.
1 Like
Hi @brainman62, in the chord perfect exercises, you are supposed to finger the chords correctly (starting with carefully putting down one finger at a time, speeding up a bit when appropriate) and then play each string separately to check your fingering, then strum the full chord once. Repeat with the same chord.
The one minute changes on the other hand are to build speed. There you change between chords as fast as possible without it sounding too messy (it doesnāt have to be perfect all the time at this stage).
Of course, with your background, you are probably going to fly through the first couple of modules and maybe grades. Thatās fine of course, but going through everything from the start will allow you to pick up any little titbits of advice that are useful to you.
As for developing your sense of rhythm, I would advice you to look into Justinās Strumming SOS course. Itās a payed course, but it is reasonably priced and well worth the money!
1 Like
Hi @LadyOfTheCastle
Thanks for clarification on the chord perfect exercises. I got it now.
I am doing well on the one minute change from A to D, got 44 on my first attempt.
Picking and rhythm are challenges based off of old/bad info and habits. First thing was to start using a thin pick, because I had it in my head that I needed to use a thick one like famous guitarists use. 
I am going to continue going through the course in sequence as I learn to correct some bad habits as I go, like the pick thickness and angle, guitar and arm placement, etc.
3 Likes
@brainman62 Hi Brian,
I started at module 0 when I retired and the best decision I made for my strumming was to buy a variety pack of Jim Dunlop nylon picks. I started with the white nylon pick as Justin suggested and was able to begin using slightly thicker nylon picks as my strumming got better. Most of the nylon picks are textured with little bumps to make them easier to grip. Have fun refreshing your guitar skills in retirement as you learn new songs.
@SteveL_G99 Hi Steve,
Thanks for the info! I initially got some Dunlop picks, mixed set (all fairly thick), then some grey nylon ones that are 0.73mm. While those had the textured bumps, easy to grip, but they were still a bit thick. Currently, I am trying a Dunlop Tortex Flex, 0.50mm. That pick has an X cut out in the middle of the pick that really helps with the grip. Plus, it seems to be flexible enough to handle my current level of controlling the pick against the strings. Much better now!!! Appreciate the reply and enjoy playing yourself!!! Thanks! Brian
1 Like
My favorite for strumming through grade 2 was the Jim Dunlop light grey 0.60 nylon pick. I used it on all my grade 2 songs that I recorded. It is a lot more flexible than the 0.60 orange Tortex pick. I havenāt tried the Tortex Flex so Iāll have to get some to try.
1 Like